By Brad Hallier
HESSTON, Kan. – The Buhler girls showed some fight on Friday, falling behind 17 points after one quarter but later closing to 10 points in a 54-43 loss to Hesston.
Kendal Brueggen was the catalyst early for the Swatehrs, scoring 13 of her game-high 23 points in the first half and helping Hesston build a 22-4 lead after one quarter.
Buhler made some adjustments defensively and hung tough after. The Crusaders tried a 3-2 zone that slowly cut off Brueggen’s supply. Buhler still trailed 33-16 at halftime, but the Crusaders won the third quarter and got as close as 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Natalya Krafels scored 18 points for Buhler, including 12 in the second half.
Hesston boys 64, Buhler 43 – Buhler struggled holding onto the ball early, as Hesston leaped to an 11-point first-quarter lead against the two-time reigning Class 3A champion.
Buhler had 12 first-half turnovers as Hesston led 34-26 at halftime. Grant Ricker helped Buhler stay close with 12 points.
Hesston’s transition offense continued to shine in the second half, as the Swthers led by as many as 21 points.
Jeffrey Neill led Buhler with a career-high 13 points, including 11 in the second half.
